bullet train

noun

: a high-speed passenger train especially of Japan

Examples of bullet train in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The quake caused delays to express trains serving Tokyo and Narita International Airport and other local trains serving northeastern regions, but Shinkansen bullet trains were running normally, according to their operator, East Japan Railway Co. — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Last September the program was revised, but the bullet train secured its annual $1 billion share for the next 20 years. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 California is attempting to build the nation's first bullet train, a project that's ballooned in cost and has blown through deadline after deadline for more than a decade. — Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Eating or drinking is also a no-go, except for long-distance services like the bullet train, where bringing a bento box is practically imperative. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bullet train

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullet train was in 1966

Rhymes for bullet train

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Browse Nearby Words

bulletproof
bullet train
bullet trap
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Cite this Entry

“Bullet train.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullet%20train. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bullet train

noun
: a very high-speed passenger train
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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